Erith nears completion of complex deconstruction project in Shrewsbury.
The complex deconstruction of the redundant 1950s silo on site at the Flax Mill Maltings is fully under way and on schedule for a January finish.
Shrewsbury Flax Mill has global importance architecturally because its design effectively makes it the world’s first skyscraper.
Once the concrete silo is out of the way, English Heritage will get to work restoring the building so that it is protected for future generations to enjoy.
The demolition job is a long process, with Erith Contractors taking it down in small pieces rather than being blasted away to protect the historic main mill from any damage. Specialist vibration monitoring equipment has been installed to ensure the historic buildings are secure throughout.
A funding package of £2.6 million was awarded in September for the first phase of the project to kick start regeneration.
It will see the office and stables converted into a visitor and reception centre – due to be completed by autumn next year.
The historic building, once at the heart of the county’s industrial effort, will eventually be used as offices and a visitor centre.
Erith Contractors has put in place procedures to reduce the noise and dust and have confined much of the movement of materials to the site itself, and limiting lorry movements into and out of the site as much as possible – as work continues on the demolition into the new year.
Mark Jack, of Erith Contractors said, “We are proud to be involved in such a prestigious and intricate project, as we continue to set industry leading standards and lead from the front through such an innovative methodology. Works on site are progressing in line with programme, with the demolition of the silo due to be completed by January 2015.”
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